Unlike many launchers and widget platforms, Krento is a self-proclaimed utility rather than decoration, and thus focuses on usefulness and not aesthetics.

Krento might appeal to Windows 8 newcomers who are currently having a hard time adjusting to the new modern interface which removes the Start menu in favour of a Start screen. Using Krento you could set up your own alternative Start menu, complete with interactive widgets that provide more usefulness than the Live Tiles you will see when you hit the Start button.

Included with Krento is the “Circle” widget which acts as a command centre for favourite apps, web links and system settings. There’s also a Launchy-style application launcher which works simply by typing and choosing from the results that appear. Krento works with versions of Windows as old as XP (SP1 required), with both 64 and 32 bit versions available for download. Users are directed to the Krento Forum in order to download additional Toys and Stones.

Features

All-in-one widget interface, application manager and widget engine.

Add “Stones” (static links to URLs, applications or system locations) and “Toys” (more interactive, richer widgets like calendars and system performance monitors).

Download additional add-ons for Krento at the user forums.

Change skins quickly and easily, display and hide Krento in a couple of clicks.